Author: iolaHC

I am an Artwork in progress

Examine Yourselves

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2Corinthians 13:5-6 Examine yourselves, whether you be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know you not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except you be reprobates? But I trust that you shall know that we are not reprobates. 

‘Examine yourselves, whether you be in the faith; prove your own selves.’ Seven final commands to the Corinthians: Examine yourselves to see if you are in the true faith (13:5). Greek: peirazo, make proof or trial of one; make a test. Translated try (Heb. 11:17; Rev. 2:2, 10; 3:10); prove (John 6:6); examine (13:5); tempter (Matt. 4:3; 1Thess. 3:5); assay (Acts 16:7); go about (Acts 24:6); and tempt 27 times (Matt. 4:1; etc.). Prove your own selves (13:5). Greek: dokimazo, to assay metals; to prove or test. Translated “try” (1Cor. 3:13; 1Thess. 2:4; 1Pet. 1:7; 1Jn. 4:1); “prove” (Luke 14:19; Rom. 12:2; 2Cor. 8:8, 22; 13:5; Gal. 6:4; Eph. 5:10; 1Thess. 5:21; 1Tim. 3:10; Heb. 3:9); “examine” (1Cor. 11:28); “discern” (Luke 12:56); “approve” (Rom. 2:18; 1Cor. 16:3; Php. 1:10); “allow” (Rom. 14:22; 1Thess. 2:4); and “like” (Rom. 1:28). Be perfect (13:11). Greek: katartizo, to adjust; put in order again; restore; repair; settle by mediation. Translated “mend” (Matt. 4:21; Mark 1:19); “restore” (Gal. 6:1); “fit” (Rom. 9:22); “prepare” (Heb. 10:1-39); “frame” (Heb. 9:3); “perfectly joined together” (1Cor. 1:10); “be and make perfect” (Matt. 21:16; Luke 6:40; 1Thess. 3:10; Heb. 13:21; 1Pet. 5:10). Be of good comfort (13:11). Greek: parakaleo, to call to the aid of one (1:4). Be of one mind (13:11). Combination of the Greek: verb phroneo, to think, and auto, the impersonal pronoun with a definite article which here means “the same thing.” Think and teach the same things; have no disputes (Rom. 12:16; 15:5; Php. 2:2; 3:16; 1Cor. 1:10). Live in peace (13:11). Greek: eireneuo, as in Romans 12:18 and Hebrews 12:14. Cultivate a disposition of peace and harmony. Greet one another (13:12). Be friendly; be glad to see each other; encourage every friendly act by a show of affection. Your party spirit cannot live in such an atmosphere as genuine love and friendship (1Cor. 13:1-13).

‘Know you not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except you be reprobates.’ If you will put the acid test to your faith it will be as easy to discover a false faith as a counterfeit coin. If Jesus Christ is in you then you are a new creature (5:17-18). You have His nature and power unless you are reprobates.

Mighty In You

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2Corinthians 13:1-4 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare: Since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. 

‘In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.’ This states the law of interpreting Scripture. Every doctrine must be proved by at least two or three scriptures to be accepted as truth and binding upon Christians (Deut. 19:15; Matt. 18:16).

‘As if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other.’ This indicates that he had been to Corinth a second time. The sense here is, “I foretell to you as I did when I was present with you the second time. Being absent now I write what I said on my second visit.” This is why he speaks of being ready to come to them a third time (12:14). The theory that his first visit was when he founded the congregation and his second and third visits were his two epistles to them is not reasonable. He could not call his letters visits to them. Because there is no record of his second visit is no proof that he did not make it, any more than no mention in the history of all his sufferings of 2Corinthians 11:23-28 is proof he did not go through them. Since he repeatedly mentions coming to them a third time that should be sufficient to prove there was a second visit.

“If I come again, I will not spare’ – this is further proof that his letters were not real visits to Corinth.

‘Since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.’ Since you seek proof of Christ speaking in me, your very conversion and the gifts you have are sufficient proofs (1Cor. 12:1-31). ‘Weakness’ [Greek: astheneia] same word translated “infirmities” in 2Corinthians 12:10. It does not mean disease, but weakness. To people, the crucifixion appears to be Christ’s weakness and defeat. To them, He seemed powerless to help it, but this apparent defeat only demonstrated His power (Col. 2:14-17; 1Pet. 2:24; 1Cor. 1:18-24). We are also weak in Him and that very weakness brings us life and power (12:9-10). Because we are on Christ’s side, we may appear to be weak and on the losing side, but as His seeming weakness was His strength, so it is with us (12:9-10).

Not Repented

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2Corinthians 12:19-21 Again, think you that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying. For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as you would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults: And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed. 

‘Think you that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.’ He asked if they thought that he makes an apology for his conduct and that he sent the brethren to them because he was ashamed to come himself; He declares that God is his judge in this matter and know that this was not his motive. What he has done has been for their edification.

‘I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as you would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults.’ Paul has been fearful of three things: Lest he did not find them as they should be; lest he found them full of debates: wranglings (Rom. 1:29), envyings: jealousies (Acts 5:17), wraths: indignation (Rom. 2:8), strifes: contentions (Rom. 2:8), backbitings: slanders (1Pet. 2:1), whisperings: murmurs (1Cor. 10:10), swellings: puffed up feelings (1Cor. 4:6), tumults: uproars (Luke 21:9); lest God shall humble him among them because of some that have sinned and have not repented, and lest he has to use his power to judge all such (2Cor. 12:21; 10:8-11; 13:10; 1Cor. 4:18-20)

‘Uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness’ – three kinds of moral sins: Homosexuality, known in the lists of sins under the term “uncleanness” (12:21; Rom. 1:24; 6:19; Gal. 5:19; Eph. 4:19; 5:3; Col. 3:5; 2Pet. 2:10); fornication (Matt. 5:32); lasciviousness (Gal. 5:19).

Same Spirit

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2Corinthians 12:14-18 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile. Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you? I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps? 

‘Third time I am ready to come to you.’ This is the third time he has resolved to come to them. He planned it twice before, but could not make it (1Cor. 16:5; 2Cor. 1:15-16; 13:1-2).

‘But you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.’ He seeks their salvation, not their property. He said he will continue this policy (12:14-16).

‘Being crafty, I caught you with guile.’ Paul’s enemies accused him of using tricks to get what he was pretending that he would not take from them. He answers this charge by the questions of 2Corinthians 12:17-18.

‘Same spirit’ – characteristic of all true ministers. It is the same as being ‘one’ or ‘with one accord.’ With one mind (Acts 2:1, 46; 4:24; 5:12; 7:57; 8:6; 12:20; 15:25; 18:12; 19:29; 24:1-27; Rom. 15:6; Php. 2:2; 1Pet. 3:8). Being of one mind means to believe the same and think the same: we are commanded to do so according to the gospel of Jesus Christ (1Pet. 2:21-23) and not what church doctrines, ministers or different teachings ascribe as to the gospel. None will be uninterested, unconcerned, or lukewarm, but all will be in earnest and united in faith and prayer.

In All Patience

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2Corinthians 12:11-13 I am become a fool in glorying; you have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chief apostles, though I be nothing. Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. For what is it wherein you were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong. 

‘I am become a fool in glorying; you have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chief apostles, though I be nothing.’ Paul states that he has become senseless in boasting (11:16), but they have compelled him. They should have vindicated both him and his ministry before his enemies among them, for they know his apostolic power which he used among them (12:11-12).

‘Signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.’ No man is an apostle without these signs. There are two things that constitute apostleship: Faith of God’s elect. [Greek, pistis] confidence, faithfulness, trust, pledge of good faith. Acknowledging [Greek, epignosis] full knowledge of the truth which is after godliness (Tit. 1:1). Full and true knowledge are requirements for all apostles as well as disciples (Col. 3:10; 1:9-10; Rom. 1:28; 3:20; 10:2; Eph. 1:17; 4:13; Php. 1:9; 1Tim. 2:4; 2Tim. 3:7; Heb. 10:26; 2Pet. 1:2, 3, 8; 2:20). Ignorance is the state of the average heathen who gets to know only a little about nature. Christianity teaches man the true and full knowledge of God and nature, and of the origin and destiny of all things (Acts 15:18; Eph. 2:7; 3:9-11).

Although discipleship continues as we grow in Christ, apostleship ended with the authors of the New Testament. They were all chosen by Christ Himself. Today, however, there are those who call themselves apostles. One cannot call oneself to an office when God stated in Revelation 22:18-19 that if we add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book [Revelation] and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. Thus to ‘add’ or ‘take away’ of the Word of God will cause damnation.

‘Forgive me this wrong.’ If refusing to take support from them is the only thing Paul has failed them in, he asks them to forgive him and clear the record.

 Pleasure in…

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2Corinthians 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 

‘Infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake.’ Five phases of Paul’s sufferings: [1] Infirmities [Greek: astheneia] want of strength; weakness; infirmity, which means a moral, mental, or physical weakness or flaw. Used of the utter helplessness of the body in death (1Cor. 15:43; 2Cor. 13:4); infirmity of the body (Matt. 8:17; Luke 5:15; 8:2; 13:11-12; John 5:5; 11:4; Acts 28:9; 1Tim. 5:23); weakness of ability as a nation to cope with more powerful forces in war (Heb. 11:34); weakness of human nature (Rom. 6:19; 8:26; Gal. 4:13; Heb. 4:15; 5:2; 7:28); weakness of human ability (1Cor. 2:3); Paul’s weakness and helplessness before satan’s angel (11:30; 12:5, 9-10). Paul had a special power to heal diseases even up to the last days we read of him (Acts 19:11; 28:1-9) so his infirmities was not a disease. [2] Reproaches [Greek: hubris] insults; reproaches (12:10); hurt (Acts 27:10); and harm (Acts 27:21). [3] Necessities [Greek: anangke] necessities (12:10; 6:4; 9:7; 1Cor. 7:37; 9:16; Phm. 1:14; Heb. 7:12; 9:16, 23); distress (Luke 21:23; 1Cor. 7:26). [4] Persecutions [Greek: diogmos] persecutions (12:10; Matt. 13:21; Mark 4:17; 10:30; Acts 8:1; 13:50; Rom. 8:35; 2Thess. 1:4; 2Tim. 3:11). [5] Distresses [Greek: stenochoria] distresses (12:10; 6:4; Rom. 8:35) and anguish (Rom. 2:9). These five classes of sufferings constitute the buffeting of Paul by the angel of satan which was his thorn (12:7-10).

‘Then am I strong’ – When Paul was attacked by the angel of satan, then he looks for the grace promised by God (12:9). He gets it and is strong in the power of God (12:10). The power of Christ rests upon him like a tent or tabernacle, affording him shelter and rest (12:9).

Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh

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2Corinthians 12:6-9 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seen me to be, or that he heard of me. And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 

‘For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.’ Even if Paul desired to glory he would not be senseless (11:16), for God knows that what he says was the truth. He will stop lest any man thinks that he is more than what he is and can demonstrate.

‘Exalted’ [Greek: huperairomai] Used only here and of the Antichrist exalting himself above all that is called God (2Thess. 2:4). This is what caused Lucifer to fall (Isa. 14:12-14; Ezek. 28:11-17; 1Tim. 3:6). God did not want Paul to exalt himself through the abundance of revelations given him, so He permitted him to have the thorn in the flesh to keep him humble.

‘Messenger’ [Greek: angelos] translated “angel” 179 times and “messenger” 7 times. It is never translated as “disease” or “physical infirmity” and never means any such thing. The simple explanation of the thorn in the flesh is that an angel of satan, a messenger of satan with the name of Alexander did Paul much evil (1Tim. 1:19-20) and who became an enemy of the gospel (2Tim. 4:14-15; Acts 19:33).

‘Buffet’ [Greek: kolaphizo] to cuff; to box on the ear (Matt. 26:67; Mark 14:65; 1Cor. 4:11; 1Pet. 2:20).

‘My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.’ God assured Paul that grace would be provided for him to suffer all things; and that he should learn to depend wholly upon the power of God (12:8-9).

‘Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.’ Paul learned to glory in his infirmities so that the power of Christ could rest upon him (12:9-10; Acts 9:16).

Revelations of the Lord

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2Corinthians 12:1-5 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. 

‘It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory.’ Paul admits that it was not profitable for him to boast, but since it is necessary to answer his enemies at Corinth, he will continue his boasting about visions and revelations.

‘Revelations’ [Greek: apokalupsis] unveiling of things not known before and which God alone could make known.

‘Fourteen years ago’ – this takes us back to about 46 A.D., some 14 years after Christ died. Just where he saw the vision is not known.

‘In the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell.’ It could have been in the body, as in the case of Enoch, Elijah, and John (Gen. 5:24; 2Kin. 2:1-25; Rev. 4:1). The fact he did not know proves the possibility of a natural body going to heaven. It also proves that he believed in the consciousness of souls after leaving the body (5:8; Php. 1:21-24; Heb. 12:23).

‘Caught up to the third heaven’ – caught up, like in 1Thessalonians 4:16-17. Paul was not doubtful about being caught up to the third heaven. He was certain about that (12:2, 4). It was whether in the body or out of it that he was doubtful (12:2-3).

‘Third heaven’ – there are three heavens: the clouds or atmospheric heavens (Gen. 1:8; Ps. 77:17-18; 104:2-3); paradise (12:4; Luke 23:43; Rev. 2:7); and God’s heaven (Gen. 1:1; Isa. 14:12-14; 66:1; Rev. 21:2, 10).

‘Unspeakable words’ – this simply means that human lips and tongues could not express them. They were too sacred to repeat.

‘It is not lawful for a man to utter’ Paul may have been forbidden to utter these words like John was commanded to seal up and write not what the seven thunders uttered (Rev. 10:4).

‘Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory’ – again he repeats that he will not glory in himself and his attainments, but in his infirmities and other experiences suffered for Christ (12:1, 5; 11:30).

After the Lord

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2Corinthians 11:16-20 I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little. That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also. For you suffer fools gladly, seeing you yourselves are wise. For you suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face. 

‘Fool’ [Greek: aphron] senseless; witless; crazed; silly. Translated “fool” (11:16, 19; 12:6, 12:11; Luke 11:40; 12:20; 1Cor. 15:36); “foolish” (Rom. 2:20; 1Pet. 2:15); and “unwise” (Eph. 5:17). His second apology for boasting (11:1).

‘I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.’ Paul answers here that if it were not necessary for him to answer his enemies to vindicate his apostleship, his present glorying would be inconsistent with his profession of humility and of knowing no man after the flesh (5:12-16; 10:7-18; 11:1-33; 12:1-21). Paul did not want the Lord to be accused of being a partner to his boasting.

‘For you suffer fools gladly, seeing you yourselves are wise.’ Paul’s accusation here is that they are so wise to discern him as a fool and that they will gladly tolerate him in his foolishness, for wise men do not fall out with fools.

‘You suffer’ They tolerated others: who assumed control of their souls; who spent their money; who duped and robbed them; who paraded themselves; who lied in their faces and stroked them.

‘Bring … into bondage’ [Greek: katadouloo] to enslave.

‘Devour’ [Greek: katesthio] take away property and destroy, as in Matthew 23:14; Mark 12:40; Luke 20:47; Galatians 5:15 and Revelation 11:5.

Paul’s Sufferings Part 3

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2Corinthians 11:29-33 Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knows that I lie not. In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me: And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands. 

‘Who is offended, and I burn not.’ The idea here is that no man is offended without Paul burning with zeal to restore him.

‘If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.’ He explained that if he must boast, he will not brag on his natural and acquired powers or what God has done for him, but rather in what he has suffered for Him. Paul stated in 2Corinthians 4:15 that all their sufferings counted as nothing if they could win them and others to Christ.

‘In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me.’ He refers to the events of Acts 9:23-25 where the Jews planned to kill him and the disciples helped him escape.

‘Aretas’ – the father-in-law of Herod Antipas.